Good news for all Ischgl fans: There will not be a complete shutdown of the ski season like last year. While the lifts in Ischgl had to stand still in the 2020/21 season, the well-known ski resort in Paznaun welcomes guests again this winter.
To ensure that winter sports enthusiasts can pursue their favorite hobby despite Covid, the tourism association, mountain railroads and hosts have developed appropriate safety concepts. From après ski to access requirements - we tell you what the next winter season in Ischgl will look like.
Comprehensive package of measures
The most important thing first: skiing and snowboarding will be possible again in Ischgl/Samnaun in the winter season 2021/2022. Things are set to kick off in Ischgl on November 25, 2021. In Galtür, the lifts are expected to run from December 10, and in Kappl and See from December 17.
However, in order to guarantee the health and safety of guests, employees and locals, a number of measures need to be observed due to the current Covid situation. The Paznaun ski area is particularly in the spotlight in this respect, as in March 2020 it was the first ski area in Austria to announce the premature end of the ski season due to corona (we reported). Since then, especially the après-ski scene has been the focus of much criticism. Last winter, Ischgl was one of the few ski resorts in Austria that could not open at all.
For the new ski season, however, the operators are confident that guests will again be allowed to come to Ischgl. The corresponding health and safety concept for safe skiing operations is based on official requirements.
What exactly the measures are, you can find in the following. The rules can be found on information pillars and signs all over the ski resort in winter.
This is what the Corona Rules look like in Ischgl
Mountain railways
The 2G* rule applies to the ski area. Anyone who wants to go up the mountain must prove at the time of ticket purchase that he or she has been vaccinated or has recovered. The proof must always be carried and will also be checked randomly in the ski area. Children under 12 are exempt from 2G. For school-age children up to the age of 15, the Austrian School Ninja Pass is sufficient. Whether a special regulation with a PCR test is possible for non-Austrian children is currently still being clarified with the Federal Ministry.
Due to the tightening to 2G, wearing a mask is not obligatory while travelling in the cable cars, but it is recommended. However, FFP2 masks are still compulsory on ski buses and public transport. There are no plans to limit the number of people in the ski area. Organized queuing areas are intended to prevent groups of people standing close together.
Attention: In Switzerland, masks are still compulsory for closed cable cars! So anyone who wants to use the aerial tramway in Samnaun will need a mask.
>> New ski pass prices for the 2021/2022 season
*2G stands for "Geimpft & Genesen" which means "vaccinated or recovered".
Mountain restaurants
The 2G rule also applies in mountain restaurants. There is no mask requirement in the food service industry. However, guests must register for contact tracing. Registration is either in writing or simply with a QR code via smartphone. Those who already have the Ischgl app on their phones can also check in with that.
As at the cable car facilities, hand sanitizing options are also available in the mountain restaurants.
Après Ski and Events
The biggest cuts for the Ibiza of the Alps will probably be after skiing. Après ski in its current form with packed bars and exuberant parties, for which Ischgl is famous and notorious, will be a thing of the past for the time being. Although après-ski is not generally prohibited, the same rules apply as in night-time gastronomy, i.e. the 2G rule.
The rules also apply to employees. Unvaccinated employees are regularly tested with PCR test. In addition, it is mandatory for them to wear an FFP2 mask.
Ischgl also adapts to the "new après-ski" for the Winter Opening. For the Top of the Mountain Opening Concert on November 27, 2021, Il Volo and Alice, two Italian acts, will be on stage. "It's going to be stylish, elegant and outstanding," the ski area's website says. The 2G rule will apply at the concert site on the sports field in Ischgl. Children under 12 will also be admitted with a rapid antigen test or PCR test.
Update Nov. 16: The Opening Concert has been cancelled due to the current Corona situation.
Advent and Christmas markets can take place again this year. Admission here, as in the gastronomy, is possible with 2G proof.
These are the regulations and measures as of November 10, 2021. Depending on how the corona situation develops in the coming weeks and months, changes to the rules are still possible. The information on this will be updated regularly on the Ischgl website. >> Covid-19 Rules Ischgl
